Gear Review: Petzl William Carabiner
Value Rating: 8
Durability Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 9
Location of Test: Darn near everywhere I've climbed in the last five years
Duration of Test: 5 years
Product Name: William
Product Brand: Petzl
Best Use: belaying
Sizes:
Available in screwlock and ball-lock mechanisms
85g
Rated to 27kN along major axis, 8kN along minor axis or with gate open
28mm gate opening
The Full Review:
It’s no secret around the shop that I’m super into my climbing gear. I love to talk, write, and most of all use it. One of the sleeper items on our shelves that I try to talk about is the Petzl William screwgate carabiner. Though I have a pile of lockers that I like and use, each with its own task, the William is my go-to belay biner.
Much like its smaller brother, the Attaché, the William is slick and smooth. The gate action is snappy, and the screw mechanism on the gate is smooth and doesn’t stick (ever). The gate is anodized red on the upper section to visibly show when the carabiner is unlocked, which is a wonderful little addition.
However, unlike the Attaché, my favorite part about this carabiner is that it’s big. Not only does the upper part comfortably fit two strands of any rope width loaded in a tubular-style device, the gate opening is delightfully wide. Though I stand at only 5’6”, I have the paws of a much, much larger person. This carabiner fits comfortably in my large hands, and I have no problem loading my belay device even in the coldest of conditions.
At $16.95, the Petzl William can be a hard sell. However, I’ve found it to be well worth the cost for an ergonomically shaped, slick, decently-sized carabiner.
The Good
Comfortable to use, feels great
The Bad:
A bit pricey
The Bottom Line:
Best carabiner ever